Highly efficient production of aromatics from CHCl coupling with CO over H-zeolites

Value-added utilization of C 2 H 6 as an important component of natural gas and petrochemical by-products has attracted much attention. Aromatic synthesis from C 2 H 6 is a crucial direction but remains a significant challenge due to its high stability. Chloroethane (C 2 H 5 Cl) is an essential derivative of C 2 H 6 , which effectively solves the C-H bond activation of C 2 H 6 . Herein, we report a pathway for the synthesis of aromatics via the coupling of CO and C 2 H 5 Cl over H-ZSM-5. Up to 76% aromatics selectivity is achieved via the coupling strategy whereas it is only 40% with the traditional methods. The introduction of CO not only facilitates the conversion of C 2 H 5 Cl, but also enhances the selectivity to aromatics over H-ZSM-5. Cyclopentenone species are detected and proved to be the key intermediate leading to a markedly improved aromatics selectivity. The 13 C isotope tracing experiment reveals that CO participates in the formation of cyclopentenone species and aromatics. Furthermore, C 2 H 4 formed from C 2 H 5 Cl has been observed to undergo carbonylation processes over H-ZSM-5. This work further expands the coupling reaction system between small molecule compounds and CO, providing an insight for natural gas conversion on H-zeolites. Zhu's team reported a route via coupling conversion of CO and C 2 H 5 Cl (an essential C 2 H 2 derivative) catalyzed by acidic zeolites, which obtains 72% aromatics selectivity. This work provides a new insight for natural gas conversion on H-zeolites.